Barcelona Confirm Lamine Yamal Hamstring Injury, But Spain Star Expected to Be Fit for World Cup

Barcelona have confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the club season but not expected to derail his World Cup participation.

The 18-year-old picked up the injury during Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, a match in which he also scored the decisive penalty before pulling up immediately after the strike. He was later substituted and assessed by the club’s medical staff.

In an official update, Barcelona stated that tests revealed a left hamstring injury and confirmed he will undergo conservative treatment. The club added that he will miss the rest of the season but is projected to be available for the World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

Yamal expressed frustration over the setback, saying on social media that the timing was especially painful but insisting it is only a temporary pause in his development. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, noting that the player would not have left the pitch without a genuine reason.

The injury comes at a crucial point in Barcelona’s campaign, with the club sitting nine points clear at the top of La Liga ahead of a looming El Clásico on May 10. Despite missing parts of the season due to earlier fitness concerns, Yamal has remained one of the standout performers and a key attacking force.

Spain will open their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by group matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Yamal, who has already become an integral part of the national team setup since his debut in 2023, is expected to be named in the final squad barring complications in recovery.

The young forward has scored six goals in 25 appearances for Spain and was part of their Euro 2024-winning squad. His rise has made him one of the most closely watched talents in world football, though this latest injury raises concerns about workload management ahead of major international duty.

Barcelona and Spain officials are expected to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, with early indications suggesting he could be eased back gradually to avoid aggravating the injury during the tournament period